Q&A with Steve & Rachael: How TravisMathew Builds Retail Careers From Day One

Steve M. and Rachael T. didn't join TravisMathew expecting to build careers.

They were looking for solid retail openings where they could work with people, help customers, and do work they felt good about.

What they found was something different.

They found a team that noticed their strengths before they did. One that encouraged their ideas and opened doors every time they raised their hand to try something new.

Today, Steve is a Store Manager at our Roosevelt Field Mall store, and Rachael is a Store Manager who specializes in visual merchandising and new store openings in North Carolina.

In this Q&A, they share what that journey looked like - and what it taught them about growth, leadership, and what's possible when people actually invest in you.

What did you expect TravisMathew to be like when you first applied?

Rachael: I expected a positive place to work, but I thought it would be like other retail jobs I had. You show up, you do your best, and you hope someone notices. I didn’t expect leaders to be as invested as they were or to take the time to help me figure out what I was good at and where I could go.

Steve: I thought it would be a steady retail job where I could work with people and help customers. That part turned out to be true, but it became clear pretty quickly that the team here is different. People care about the work, and they care about helping each other grow. I didn’t expect that level of support.

When did you realize TravisMathew was different from other retail jobs?

R: I realized it during my first few weeks. I was helping with a small visual project, and someone said, “You’re really good at this.” I had never even considered visuals before. But instead of brushing it off, they kept giving me opportunities. That meant a lot because in past jobs it sometimes felt like you could do great work and still go unnoticed.

S: It was how welcoming everyone was. People didn’t just train me. They checked in, asked how I was doing, and made me feel like part of the team right away. When someone pulled me aside to praise something small I did with a customer, it meant a lot. Those moments showed me I wasn’t just filling a shift. They saw potential in me.

When did you discover the part of retail you were passionate about?

R: For me, it was visual merchandising and new store openings. It happened almost by accident. Someone needed help, I stepped in, and it just felt right. I loved the creativity and the teamwork. Once I got to be part of my first new store opening, I knew this was something I wanted to grow in.

S: Once I started connecting with customers, everything clicked. I like making people feel comfortable. I like helping them find what they need. When customers have fun in the store, it makes the whole day feel lighter. That part of the job just felt natural to me and made me want to take on more.

What did support from your leaders actually look like?

R: I never felt like I had to figure things out alone. Leaders trusted me to take on visual projects, but were always there to guide me. When I joined my first new store opening, they made sure I felt prepared. If I wasn’t, they coached me and helped me get there. That kind of support made me feel like my success mattered to them.

S: Leaders here really listen. They asked what I wanted to learn and pulled me into situations where I could practice new skills. They gave me the space to lead even before I had the title. That helped me build confidence and understand how I could support the team.

What has stepping into leadership taught you?

R: It taught me how to trust my voice. I used to be more reserved. I had ideas but held back. Being in leadership pushed me to own my strengths and speak up. It also taught me how meaningful it is to support newer associates the same way others supported me.

S: It taught me how important it is to communicate clearly and to really be there for your team. When you lead, you set the tone. I learned that I enjoy helping others grow and that leadership is about supporting people, not just managing tasks.

What would you tell someone considering a retail role at TravisMathew?

R: I would tell them to come in with an open mind. You might start in one area and end up finding something completely new about yourself. And you’ll have leaders and teammates who want to help you get wherever you want to go.

S: I would say be open to discovering new strengths. If you’re curious and willing to learn, TravisMathew will give you chances to grow. You don’t have to come in knowing exactly where you’re headed.

What This Means for You

If you’re considering a role in retail, here’s what you’ll find at TravisMathew:

A team that notices your strengths. Leaders who invest in your growth. And a workplace where showing up with curiosity and effort can take you farther than you ever imagined.

You don’t need to have your whole path figured out. You just need to be willing to learn, try new things, and raise your hand.

If you’re looking for a place where your work matters - and where people want to see you succeed - we’d love to meet you.

Because retail careers at TravisMathew don’t follow a script.

You get to help shape what’s possible.